The relationship between Europe and Africa is central to Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Essentially, Conrad shows that the relationship between the two continents is based on the exploitation of resources. More specifically, Conrad illustrates how European colonial powers venture into the territory of African countries in order to harvest raw materials and resources and enslave native populations. Thus, in exploring the relationship between Europe and Africa, Conrad is also exploring the ways in...
The relationship between Europe and Africa is central to Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Essentially, Conrad shows that the relationship between the two continents is based on the exploitation of resources. More specifically, Conrad illustrates how European colonial powers venture into the territory of African countries in order to harvest raw materials and resources and enslave native populations. Thus, in exploring the relationship between Europe and Africa, Conrad is also exploring the ways in which a colonial power exploits other countries for material and/or economic gain. That said, it's important to point out that Conrad suggests colonial excursions don't always work out well for European powers, as he also shows how the evil nature of colonialism corrupts those involved with it. Indeed, several characters (such as Kurtz) end the novel as broken shells and hollow individuals. As such, if Conrad shows how European cultures oppress African natives through colonialism, he also shows how this endeavor irreversibly corrupts the Europeans involved with it.
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